The temporary curfew is extended from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., beginning tonight, through the morning of Wednesday, June 3. During the curfew, no one is allowed to travel on Minneapolis and Saint Paul streets or public places, except for first responders, members of the media, people going back and forth to work, individuals seeking emergency care or fleeing danger, and people experiencing homelessness. Curfews are not limited to Minneapolis and St. Paul. Mayors and local governments across the state can issue their own curfews.

“Having a curfew in place has allowed law enforcement to separate out those who mean to bring further pain and destruction in our communities from the thousands who have peacefully demonstrated for systemic changes in George Floyd’s name,” said Governor Walz. “I want to thank our public servants who’ve worked tirelessly to restore peace to our neighborhoods, and all Minnesotans who have abided by the curfew to keep our communities safe.”

“This past week has been one of the most painful in our state’s history,” said Lt. Governor Flanagan. “It hurts to stay inside when we know our voices are critical to bringing the systemic change we need, but we will continue this fight tomorrow, and every day after. Please stay home to stay safe and help our communities heal.”

All Minnesotans in Minneapolis and Saint Paul are urged to comply, and to comply with instructions from law enforcement. Peace officers will enforce the curfew and arrest those who refuse to comply.

Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has no planned highway closures in the metro this evening. Closures may be implemented in coordination with the Minnesota State Patrol.

Minnesota Department of Health Briefing

This afternoon, officials from the Minnesota Department of Health conducted a press briefing with reporters to update the public on state efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commissioner Jan Malcolm, Department of Health

• Commissioner Malcolm began the briefing by noting that structural racism has led to the root of health disparities in Minnesota.
• The data on COVID-19 is a reminder of this.
• Black Minnesotans are 6.6% of the Minnesota population, but 22% of COVID-19 cases are from black Minnesotans and over 20% of COVID-19 hospitalizations.
• The commissioner said she is concerned about the health impact of the large gatherings over the weekend and asked that those participating in demonstrations protect themselves, others, and vulnerable citizens in limiting the spread of COVID-19.
• Minnesota now has 25,208 cases of COVID-19. This is an increase of 361 from yesterday.
• The state now has 1,050 deaths due to COVID-19. This is an increase of 10 deaths since yesterday. Of the 10 deaths, eight were residents of long-term care facilities.
• Currently, 549 patients are hospitalized for COVID-19 with 253 of those in the ICU.
• There has been a significant overall increase in the amount of COVID-19 tests over the past days:

o   Friday: 8,635

o   Saturday: Over 7,000

o   Sunday: Just under 6,100

• With restaurants allowed to open for patio seating and salons/barbershops opened at a reduced capacity, businesses are encouraged to review the latest guidance on the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development website.
• When asked if she expects the weekend demonstrations to have an impact on the number of COVID-19 cases, Commissioner Malcolm responded that it’s certainly possible since concentrated gatherings and loud vocal expressions exacerbate the risk of spread but that it’s mitigated by the fact the demonstrations were outdoors.

Director Kris Ehresmann, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention, and Control Division

• Director Ehresmann encourages Minnesotans to make blood donations based on the desperate need for blood in the state.
• When asked whether asymptomatic demonstrators should get tested, Director Ehresmann said that the Department of Health is working to get information out to healthcare providers and encourages people who participated in demonstrations to reach out to healthcare providers to get tested.
• When asked about the incubation period for COVID-19, State Epidemiologist Dr. Ruth Lynfield and Director Ehresmann responded that the incubation period is 2-14 days and that people get symptomatic between 5 to 7 days. In order to get the figures on a potential outbreak from the demonstrations, the state has to wait the full incubation period of 14 days and then wait for the data to come back from testing, which cumulatively runs around 21 days.

Amos A. Briggs | Government Relations
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